Villa head into the clash at Beşiktaş Park chasing their first major trophy since the 1996 League Cup, while also looking to complete another significant step in Emery’s rebuild at the club.
The Spaniard reflected on Villa’s rise in Europe over recent seasons, having reached the UEFA Conference League semi-finals three years ago and the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals last season.
Emery insisted those experiences have shaped the mentality now required for a final.
“We are confident, but we are so, so respectful,” Emery said.
“SC Freiburg, they are here because they deserve it.”
The Aston Villa manager admitted he feared for the team earlier in the campaign after a difficult start to the season, but praised his players for responding during difficult moments.
Villa recovered to secure another top-four Premier League finish before progressing through the Europa League knockout rounds.
“I was worried at the beginning of the season, really worried,” Emery said.
“But how the players responded in the difficult moments for me was really amazing.”
Emery repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining focus throughout the final rather than becoming distracted by the occasion or potential rewards.
The 54-year-old, who has won the Europa League four times previously with Sevilla and Villarreal, rejected suggestions his past record would give Villa any advantage.
“I am not a ‘king’ in this competition,” Emery said.
“I need to win tomorrow with the players we have now, with Aston Villa now.”
Emery also stated lifting the trophy would simply be another consequence of the process already underway at Villa Park rather than the end point itself.